GNR vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GNR is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GNR returned 10.91%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for XLE. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GNR charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

GNR vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GNR achieves a 20.27% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.17% return. Over the past 10 years, GNR has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 10.91%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 10.22% annualized return.

GNR

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 20.27%
• 6M: 23.12%
• 1Y: 43.10%
• 3Y*: 15.55%
• 5Y*: 9.73%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

XLE

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 32.17%
• 6M: 29.80%
• 1Y: 45.00%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 20.44%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GNR vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	20.27%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.17%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between GNR and XLE is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2010	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between GNR and XLE has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GNR vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GNR	XLE
Basic Materials	50.3%	-
Energy	37.6%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

GNR vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 82
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 76
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 63
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GNR vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	GNR	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.21	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	2.84	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.35	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.43	3.75	+1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.28	10.92	+10.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GNR vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GNR Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GNR and XLE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GNR	XLE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64	2.21	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.79	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.35	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.31	-0.05

Drawdowns

GNR vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GNR drawdown since its inception was -51.37%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GNR and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GNR	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.37%	-71.26%	+19.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.97%	-12.05%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.15%	-20.14%	-1.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-26.04%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.59%	-66.81%	+18.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-6.15%	+4.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.95%	-17.98%	+3.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	4.14%	-2.11%

Volatility

GNR vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) is 4.53%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 8.25%. This indicates that GNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GNR	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	8.25%	-3.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.23%	16.58%	-3.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	20.53%	-4.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.23%	26.02%	-5.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.88%	29.59%	-7.71%

GNR vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GNR has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GNR vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

GNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%, less than XLE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.47%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.54%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GNR and XLE in my portfolio?

GNR and XLE have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GNR or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (8.25%) compared to GNR (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GNR dropped -51.37% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, GNR or XLE?

On 10-year performance, GNR leads with 10.91% vs 10.22% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, GNR has been the lower-risk option at 4.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GNR or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, GNR has performed better with a 10.91% return vs 10.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GNR or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GNR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GNR or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 2.47% for GNR.

What is the main difference between GNR and XLE?

GNR is categorized as Commodity Producers Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GNR and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.21), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.